Chapter 24: Once You Drink This Bowl of Poisonous Chicken Soup, We Are Friends

To those who cannot swim, the ocean is a source of terror.

But to Zheng Tuo, who had mastered various skills, the ocean was paradise.

It had to be said.

As one of the true treasures of the Library, the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* was obscenely difficult to comprehend.

With Zheng Tuo's talent, it had actually taken him a full three days just to complete one single comprehension cycle.

He could read fifty-five first-tier formation manuals in a single day.

Three days would equal one hundred and sixty-five manuals.

To spend three whole days on just one volume of the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* was simply terrifying.

Seven days later.

Zheng Tuo had barely managed to complete three comprehension cycles.

To be honest, there were still some parts he had not fully grasped.

Time was too tight; if he were given another seven days, he was confident he could thoroughly master the first volume.

But there was no choice; time was up.

One must be a person of integrity, especially when dealing with women.

"Senior Brother, you've finished reading," Jiu Li'er said politely.

She did not believe that this Senior Brother Zheng Tuo could comprehend the first volume of the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* in just seven days.

Her Ancestress had said that the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* was nearly equivalent to the Immortal Dao.

Knowing that comprehending it required immense mental energy, even though the first volume was considered the simplest, an ordinary person would likely need four or five years just to complete one cycle, let alone fully master it.

It might even take decades, or even longer.

For someone like herself, who had comprehended half of it in just six months, she was considered a super genius.

But with her talent, it would likely take her at least three years to fully master it.

Although the Senior Brother before her was... somewhat handsome, she did not believe his talent could be so terrifying.

"Ah..."

Zheng Tuo stretched, shaking off his fatigue.

"Finished. I must say, the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* lives up to its reputation. It took me three days just to complete one cycle. Please excuse my lack of progress."

Zheng Tuo expressed his dissatisfaction with his own results.

"Pfft..."

Jiu Li'er couldn't help but let out a light giggle.

Realizing she had lost her composure, she immediately stuck out her tongue in apology.

"Senior Brother Zheng Tuo, you really know how to joke."

"You don't believe me!"

Zheng Tuo knew she wouldn't.

"Senior Brother Zheng Tuo, it's not that I don't believe you, but the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* is the most top-tier foundational array study in the Eastern Region. Its difficulty is comparable to our clan's Jiu Li True Method. Even the most talented array master in the Jiu Li Clan takes three years to comprehend the first volume of the True Method. For you to say you completed one cycle of the first volume of the *Nine Volumes* in three days... I find it truly hard to believe."

Jiu Li'er was extremely confident in her own array attainments.

"The Jiu Li True Method!"

Zheng Tuo had never heard of it.

But judging by Jiu Li'er's tone, it was likely a foundational array study not inferior to the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao*.

Having tasted the benefits that foundational array studies provided, Zheng Tuo understood completely.

In the Array Dao, the foundation is everything.

Just like cultivation, only with a solid foundation can one achieve higher heights.

"Fine, Junior Sister Li'er. Since you don't believe me, how about we make a bet?"

"Please, Senior Brother," Jiu Li'er replied, still full of confidence.

"Before I do, may I ask you to make a vow first? The content is quite simple: you must not speak of today's events. If you do, you will grow abscesses on your feet, pockmarks on your face, your cultivation will never advance, and your array skills will be blocked by the Heavenly Dao, never to improve by even a fraction... Oh, and most importantly, you will never be able to marry. No boy will ever like you, and you will live out your life in solitude, ending your sinful existence in misery. How's that? Simple, right?"

Jiu Li'er: "..."

"What you said is... quite simple!"

Jiu Li'er felt this Senior Brother was very strange.

However, she had absolute confidence in her array skills.

"Fine, I can swear not to speak of today's events. If I do..."

After Jiu Li'er made her vow, Zheng Tuo felt the Heavenly Dao Covenant take effect.

When a cultivator makes a vow, it is one hundred percent effective because the Heavenly Dao of the cultivation world is real.

Thus, the binding force of an oath is terrifying.

Even cultivators in the Great Ascension stage would not dare to make casual vows, because they truly come true.

Since she was willing to swear, Zheng Tuo felt at ease enough to make the bet.

Otherwise, he would never engage in such a risky endeavor.

"Ahem... it's very simple. Since you don't believe I've completed one cycle, I will tell you the results of my comprehension. With your level of attainment, you should be able to tell if I am lying or telling the truth. How about it?"

Zheng Tuo was naturally confident. He was only afraid Jiu Li'er wouldn't take the bait.

"Then what are we betting?"

Seeing Zheng Tuo's confidence, Jiu Li'er felt a sense of provocation from a fellow practitioner.

As a once-in-a-century super genius of the Jiu Li Clan, she would not fear any challenge regarding the Array Dao.

"The stakes are simple. If I lose, whenever you want array materials in the future, I will fetch them for you. Even if it's the stars in the sky or the pearls in the sea, I will bring them to you. But if I win..."

Zheng Tuo's gaze swept over Jiu Li'er.

Under his gaze, Jiu Li'er instinctively felt a bit nervous.

"Don't be afraid. If I win, I want to see your... Jiu Li True Method."

Zheng Tuo was certainly not interested in a young girl like Jiu Li'er.

If he were to be interested, someone like Chi Xiao would be much more explosive and suited to his taste.

"Whew..."

Jiu Li'er let out a long breath, a flash of disappointment crossing her eyes.

Disappointment aside, the mention of the Jiu Li True Method immediately made her alert.

The Jiu Li True Method was the very foundation of the Jiu Li Clan's heritage and was never to be shared externally.

Although she was a super genius and a candidate for the future leader of the clan, she was not qualified to teach the Jiu Li True Method.

"Relax, I'll just take a look. By the way, how do you know for sure that I will win?"

Seeing Jiu Li'er preparing to back down, Zheng Tuo immediately applied more pressure.

"Junior Sister Jiu Li, you are an array genius. In the future, you will undoubtedly devote all your energy to the Array Dao. You must know that the Array Dao consumes vast amounts of resources. Wouldn't it be twice as effective if your Senior Brother helped you find materials?"

When dealing with a young girl like this, Zheng Tuo knew exactly how to handle it.

"No, it won't be!" Jiu Li'er countered.

"My father, my seven eldest uncles, six uncles, nine aunts, four youngest aunts, twelve brothers—they will all help me find materials. You don't need to worry, Senior Brother."

"Pfft..."

Zheng Tuo nearly coughed up blood.

*My grandparents, parents, and relatives certainly have a lot of children.*

"However, I really do want to know how your comprehension of the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* went."

"Good, I like your silly... no, your unyielding personality. Come, come, let your Senior Brother explain it to you..."

Jiu Li'er listened intently.

Zheng Tuo spoke incessantly, explaining his understanding of the first volume of the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao*.

As the explanation deepened, Jiu Li'er's mouth gradually fell open, and an expression of disbelief appeared on her face.

She looked at Zheng Tuo as if he were a god.

The explanation lasted for half a day.

"Junior Sister, that is all I have comprehended of the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* for now. What do you think?"

Zheng Tuo told her everything he had understood.

"Senior Brother, you... you... you really comprehended all this foundational knowledge in just seven days!"

Jiu Li'er felt her confidence being trampled underfoot by this man named Zheng Tuo.

It was a terrible feeling.

She felt like a deflated balloon.

The array talent she was so proud of was so easily crushed.

She began to doubt herself deeply.

*Was the Ancestress lying to me all along? Is my talent actually just ordinary, and not that of a super monster?*

Seeing the despondent Jiu Li'er, Zheng Tuo naturally knew he had dealt her a crushing blow.

To be honest, if it were him, he would have broken down crying on the spot.

To achieve in seven days what takes others one or two years—anyone would break down.

The fact that she could hold it together showed how strong she was.

"Ahem..."

He certainly wouldn't just watch her collapse.

After all, it was because of him.

Besides, he hadn't even learned the Jiu Li True Method yet.

If Jiu Li'er broke down, who would he learn it from?

"Junior Sister Jiu Li, do you know why people cultivate?"

Jiu Li'er looked up at Zheng Tuo, her eyes full of confusion.

"Because they have dreams."

A smile as bright as sunlight appeared on the corner of Zheng Tuo's mouth.

"If a person has no dreams, what is the difference between them and a salted fish? People are great because they have dreams."

Zheng Tuo believed his ability to spout motivational clichés was proportional to his talent.

"Junior Sister, you must realize that in this world, super geniuses are born every day, and countless people break through their limitations every day. But the number of people who can truly reach the pinnacle is fewer than ten fingers. Do you know why?"

"Why?" A spark of light flickered in Jiu Li'er's confused eyes.

"Because what supports us in reaching the pinnacle is not talent, but a kind of persistence called willpower. The most important thing in life is not where you stand, but which direction you are moving. You... have taken the wrong path."

"I've taken the wrong path?" Jiu Li'er seemed to understand something.

"If I am not mistaken, you have shown extraordinary talent in the Array Dao since childhood. Therefore, you developed a habit of comparing yourself to others. But with your talent, who could possibly surpass you? Over time, this led to an attitude of conceit, until you met me and lost. So, you feel as though you have lost the whole world. But in reality, without knowing it, you have only just begun to possess a world of your own."

"A world of my own."

Jiu Li'er repeated his words. She seemed to have gained an epiphany from them.

"Remember my words: do not compare yourself to others. If you must compare, compare yourself to who you were yesterday. Since ancient times, the strong have made themselves stronger. As long as you can conquer yourself, there is no enemy you cannot defeat."

Zheng Tuo appeared quite spirited.

No wonder everyone loved acting as life mentors and spouting motivational nonsense; it felt quite satisfying.

"Mhm!"

Jiu Li'er nodded vigorously, the light in her eyes growing brighter, filled with something even more brilliant.

"I understand."

"Yes, I understand, Senior Brother. Li'er will not be discouraged. Even if Senior Brother's talent is incredibly high, Li'er will not give up. Sooner or later, Li'er will surpass you!"

"Pfft..."

Zheng Tuo immediately coughed up blood.

*So after all that talking, you didn't listen to a single word!*

Forget it! Forget it!

She's young; I can't expect her to understand much life philosophy. As long as she doesn't get stuck in a dead end, it's fine.

"Alright, a bet is a bet. Hand over the Jiu Li True Method."

Zheng Tuo's goal had always been the Jiu Li True Method. What could be more pleasurable than learning?

"Um... Senior Brother, can we change the stakes?"

Jiu Li'er wanted to back out, but she felt too embarrassed. After all, her Senior Brother had just given her life advice. Even though she didn't quite know what he had said, he gave her a warm feeling, making her feel from the bottom of her heart that he was right.

"Fine, then the matter is settled if you serve as my bed-warming maid for three hundred years."

"Ah!" Jiu Li'er cried out, her face turning bright red with shame.

"Then I'll just give you the Jiu Li True Method. But Senior Brother, you must promise me that you won't teach it to anyone else. If the Ancestress finds out you've taught others, I'll definitely get scolded."

Jiu Li'er took the first volume of the Jiu Li True Method from an embroidered pouch at her waist.

"Don't worry. I can't say much about other things, but my integrity is top-notch."

Zheng Tuo took the first volume of the Jiu Li True Method.

"By the way, Junior Sister, don't forget your vow. Please keep today's events a secret. Otherwise, I wouldn't want to end up with an ugly, unwanted little Junior Sister."

Zheng Tuo smiled slightly and jogged back to his small dwelling to begin his serious comprehension.

Watching the meticulous and serious Senior Brother Zheng Tuo, Jiu Li'er pursed her lips.

*I must learn from Senior Brother and study the Array Dao seriously. One day, I will definitely defeat him.*

Days passed one by one.

Zheng Tuo lived entirely within the Library.

Six months later.

Zheng Tuo set down the Jiu Li True Method and the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao*.

"Ah..."

He stretched, shaking off his fatigue.

Suddenly!

Zheng Tuo's expression turned serious. He began chanting under his breath, attempting to control something.

But it was too late!

A warm current surged through his body.

He successfully broke through, becoming a fourth-stage Qi Refining cultivator.

"Fuck!"

Zheng Tuo couldn't help but curse.

Forget it. He had grown accustomed to these inexplicable breakthroughs. Since he couldn't control them, he wouldn't try.

As for the foundational array studies—it had to be said that comprehending two different foundational systems at once was indeed difficult.

But that was for others. For him, there was no difficulty at all.

He had completed the comprehension of the first volume of both the *Nine Volumes of the Array Dao* and the Jiu Li True Method five months ago.

The remaining five months were purely for caution; he had simply reviewed them several more times, which is why he had delayed until now.

The theoretical foundation for first-tier formations was complete.

The time was ripe.

All that remained was the practical application of first-tier formations.